Windows Phone

Just because you've bought a Mac doesn't mean you have to buy an iPhone too. Here's how to get your Windows Phone and your Mac working together.

Windows Phone runs a distant third behind iOS and Android in terms of U.S. marketshare, but Windows Phone isn't something to ignore. A lot of Windows Phone handsets are inexpensive and work quite well. The appellation "Windows Phone" may give you a sense that such a device is not to be used with a Mac. But they can coexist quite happily.

It's a new Microsoft. New CEO. New Office for iPad. And now a new Build 2014 conference to highlight what's coming next. Mobile Nations' crack Windows Phone Central team will be there covering everything live and as it happens, and since Microsoft is a major player — and major services provider of Mac, iPhone, and iPad — all of our interest levels are high.

For complete coverage, including a handy guide on what to expect from the show, including Windows Phone 8.1 hit the link below!

Apple has 0% share of the under $400 phone market, yet Microsoft is ecstatic they're managing to out-sell Apple in exactly that market. Phones still feel new, even though the market is huge. In the car market, Chery outselling BMW in China wouldn't get the same kind of pickup, because it's better understood and, frankly, enjoys more mature coverage.

Instagram was originally iPhone-only, but eventually expanded to Android. Now, Instagram (beta) has landed on Windows Phone]() as well. That means not only will there be even more great photos to enjoy, but even more great photographers to enjoy the from. Sure, there have been unofficial Instragram apps on the platform for a while, there's nothing like an official one to really drive adoption. Daniel Rubino for Windows Phone Central:

Kevin of CrackBerry, Phil of Android Central, Daniel of Windows Phone Central, Derek of Mobile Nations, and Rene of iMore talk about the state of mobile. How many platforms is Android, what's happening with BlackBerry, can Microsoft deliver, and what's next for Apple?

While Apple reports record first weekend sales after launching the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, Microsoft it seems is running around trying convince folks to ditch their iPhone and jump to a Windows Phone. No, really. After a similar promotion where Microsoft stores would accept an iPad in trade in against a Windows 8 tablet, Forbes reports the folks from Redmond are to begin accepting iPhones as well:

It isn't every day that something on Windows Phone has us green with envy, but since its big unveil, Halo: Spartan Assault has given us a case of the green-eyed monster. However, since taking possession of a Nokia Lumia 925 – more on that soon – and a copy of the game, one thing is clear; I really hope Microsoft gets this out on other platforms for everyone to play.

Being iPhone owners, we're suckers for beautifully designed smartphones. So, when Nokia took to the stage in London to showcase their latest and greatest, the Lumia 925, we had to go and take a look. Our buddies over at Windows Phone Central were on the ground throughout the event to bring us all the full story. So, what's the Lumia 925 all about?

App.net (ADN), an alternative to Twitter that seeks to better balance the needs of the platform owners with developers and users, saw substantial growth in the last couple of weeks. This is partly due to the arrival of popular clients -- for end users the interface is the app, after all, and familiarity is a huge feature. In addition to attracting attention, these clients reduced the learning curve and the stress level often associated with platform change. ADN also lowered the cost of their service. Initially ADN cost $50 a year for a non-developer account, which was a substantial barrier to entry for anyone but the geekiest of geek users (#227, at your service). While $50 is less than some people spend on fancy caffeinated beverages each month, it still feels like a big up-front expense for something that may or may not provide a significant return. ADN dropped the yearly price to $36, but what's more, they introduced a new $5 monthly option. $5 a month is actually $60 a year, which is more expensive than it was previously, but far more people will be willing to give ADN a chance at $5 than $50, as any substantial period of time beyond a few days blurs towards the amorphous. It's a lower up-front cost, and hence, lower up-front risk.

It's objection handling at the product level, and it's smart business. It's something Apple has been doing going on a decade, and something they're doing especially well with iOS devices right now.